This Week in NYC: A Comedy Festival and a Gala for Yellowstone

The Abyss geothermal pool in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Photo by KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images

Wednesday November 2

Maybe what the world needs now is a whole lot of hugs. You can find them at the H.U.G. (Help Us Give) galatonight.Or, well, maybe you can, if you’re personable. There will be champagne, so people will probably be in pretty good moods: someone might hug you! And while you’re looking for a comporting embrace, Target and PVH Corp will be honored and proceeds will benefit Rusk Rehabilitation’s pediatric programs. 230 Fifth Penthouse, 230 Fifth Avenue, 5:30 p.m., $600

ThursdayNovember 3

You may not get to enjoy a lot of wildlife up close in Manhattan, but you can at least patronize it from a distance at the Yellowstone Park Young Patrons Gala. Arielle Patrick, Jackie Rooney and Alice Ryan will be co-hosting, and funds will go toward “programs that protect, preserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources and the visitor experience of Yellowstone National Park.” Avenue, 116 10th Avenue, 8-11 p.m., $95

FridayNovember 4

Get out your best gown and go dancing for the kids. The Lotus Ball to benefit Maya’s Hope helps provide funds to aid orphaned and impoverished children around the world. The Grand Ballroom, 583 Park Avenue, 8-11:30 p.m., $350

Tig Notaro Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Amazon Studios

SaturdayNovember 5

We all need to laugh: 2016 has been a hard year for everyone except murder clowns, who are really coming into their own. It’s why this is such a good weekend to hit up the New York Comedy Festival, which runs from November 1 to November 6. Today, you’ll have a chance to see great panels like the writers of Kimmy Schmidt (possibly the most charming show on TV) in discussion at the 92nd Street Y at 1 p.m. Other cool participants in the festival include Tig Notaro, who’ll be at Carnegie Hall at 7 and Tracy Morgan, who’ll be following her at Carnegie Hall at 10:30. You can also check out other awesome performers like Trevor Noah, Jenny Slate and many more over the course of the day. Various locations, 1-10:30 p.m., visit nycomedyfestival.com for a full lineup

Sunday November 6

In just two days, there will be a winner, and there will be a loser, who may or may not admit to being a loser. That person will be in…mediocre, somewhat forgettable company! And sometimes good company. You can find out about the presidential candidates who did not triumph at the Almost Presidential Green-Wood Trolley Tour. Historians will share stories about also-rans like DeWitt Clinton (1812) and Horace Greeley (1872) as well as other even lesser-known candidates like People’s Party Candidate George Francis Train (also 1872) and Bird S. Coler (1904). Green Wood Cemetery, 500 25th Street 1-3 p.m., $25

MondayNovember 7

Every few years some organization tries to capture the glamor of Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball, and this year, it’s the New York Public Library. Their Library Lions gala—this time with a black and white ball theme!—will include Harry Belafonte, Hilary Mantel, Javier Marías, Peggy Noonan and Colm Tóibín. So, just a stupid good list of people, possibly better than the ones at Capote’s own ball 50 years ago. The New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building,Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, 6:30 p.m., contact librarylions@nypl.org or 212-930-0019 for pricing.

Get out and vote this Election Day, Nov. 8 BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

Tuesday November 8

Vote. Seriously, it does not matter what else you do today. You have a choice between voting for a person who is on tape expressing a fondness for grabbing women by the pussy or voting for one of the most qualified candidates this country has ever seen (who happens to have a pussy herself). I don’t know what you’ll do! Up to you! You can either shatter a glass ceiling or send a resounding message to women that their bodies are objects for male amusement. It is truly up to you! Vote! Your polling place, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (if you’re in line by 9 p.m., you can vote), Free

Wednesday November 9

Well, Joe Walsh will be grabbing his musket, but what will you be doing today? If you prefer 18th-century weapons to be strictly ornamental, maybe spend it with the Bushes. The New York Art, Antique & Jewelry Show is kicking off with a private benefit for the FEED Foundation, hosted by Sharon Bush and honoring her daughter, the charity’s founder, Lauren Bush Lauren. Pier 94, 711 12th Avenue at 55th Street, 6 p.m., invitation only